Schumacher's wife urges media to leave family alone

Michael Schumacher's wife says the racing legend's family wants to be left in peace as doctors treat him after a brutal ski crash.

Corinna Schumacher spoke out Tuesday for the first time since her husband's Dec. 29 accident in the French Alps. In a statement, she said: "It's very important to me that you ease the burden on the doctors and the hospital so that they can do their work in peace."

She asked the international media who have gathered at the hospital in Grenoble to leave. "Please also leave our family alone."

The 45-year-old Schumacher has been in a medically induced coma since last week, after he hit his head on a rock skiing at the Meribel resort.

Schumacher, who retired from Formula One in 2012, is the most successful F1 driver in history.

Fans hoisted banners near the Grenoble hospital reading: "Schumi, All our thoughts for you and your family."

Investigators are looking into the accident, and the local prosecutor has planned a news conference Wednesday morning.